Ukraine Rebel Forces to Advance Against Kiev’s Troops, Leader Says

Kiev Dismisses Threat as Bluster, as Alexander Zakharchenko Vows No Further Attempts at Peace Talks

By

Nick Shchetko

Updated Jan. 23, 2015 4:12 pm ET

KIEV, Ukraine—Rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine vowed Friday to extend their advances against government troops and boycott further peace talks despite a diplomatic push to implement a long-ignored cease-fire.

But with Russia, the rebels’ main backer, joining the West in calling for more talks, it wasn’t clear what the latest separatist claims would mean on the ground. Both sides have often exaggerated their military ambitions in public statements.